Its core-clock multiplier is set at 25X - but it's unlocked, should you feel the need to experiment with a bit of straightforward overclocking.

The Core i7 975 slots into the now-second-class Core i7 965's price point, which is $999 in lots of 1,000 - although processors at this rarified level are rarely if ever sold in those amounts. You can find it today in retail packaging at sites such as NewEgg for $1,039 and Platinum Micro for $1,078.

But if that's too rich for your Meltdown-melted wallet, you might instead pick up a Core i7 920, which can be found at various outlets for well under $300. It takes well to overclocking, and an Intel spokesman told The Reg that it will "most definitely" remain available for the foreseeable future. ®